A man-of-the-match performance by Ahmad Said helped Renfrew to a fine seven-wicket win over Ayr at the Dean Park Oval.

The Renfrew professional took full advantage of the visiting side’s misfortune – they were missing two players – by slamming in 73 not out.

But Said wasn’t alone in putting Ayr to the sword, as skipper Sajid Majeed and Taral Khasiya produced some impressive seam bowling.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first in this Cricket Scotland League 40 Cup match.

It had initially looked like a good call from the seasiders, given the wicket was firm and dry, but they soon crumbled at 23 for 4.

By contrast, the home side’s opening bowlers were in sizzling form and went about their business with a real zest.

Majeed opened matters and, despite nursing an injury, sent down eight probing overs, accounting for the wickets of Elliot Speirs and Andy McElnea in his opening burst.

At the other end, Khasiya was equally as probing and picked up the wickets of Ayr opener Neil Smith and Calum McClaughlin as Renfrew cranked up the pressure.

In the midst of the carnage, visiting professional Neal Parlane racked up 34 runs but, when he was run out through a combination of good fielding from Andy Mullen and a good take from wicketkeeper David Graham, Renfrew sensed a chance to hammer the final nail in the visitors’ coffin.

Scott McElnea had other ideas and guided Ayr to a respectable total of 123 all out with an entertaining innings of 59 before Khasiya returned to have him superbly caught by Said at slip.

Ayr’s total of 123 all out, in 29 overs and one ball, was well below par and this was mainly down to Majeed’s 2 for 18 and Khasiya’s 3 for 26.

Kashif Pervez chipped in by claiming 2 for 26.

In reply, Renfrew soon found themselves in trouble, losing the wickets of Adil Hussain (4) and Steven Black (1) with only 13 on the board.

Fortunately, Said and Mohsin Majeed steadied the ship by seeing off the Ayr new ball bowlers and took the score to 56.

Majeed was then dismissed by Parlane for 15 but, by this point, the home side had regained the initiative.

Said continued to accumulate runs and, in partnership with Pervez, who was 21 not out, took the home side to their target at 126 for three wickets.